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Announcing New ACE Board Members

It’s with great pleasure that I announce the addition of four new members to our Board of Directors. They bring fresh knowledge and expertise to ACE that will further our mission and strengthen our network.

Read below for an introduction to the newest members of our team.

Jesse Carmichael is a founding member of the band Maroon 5 and a lifelong environmentalist. Jesse says, “Knowledge is the first step towards problem solving, and I love that ACE is helping to inspire creative action in the next generation.” Jesse’s experience with pop-culture and entertainment will add tremendous value to ACE’s efforts to remain relevant to our students.

Valencia Walker brings with her more than 20 years of exeperience as a communications strategist and is currently the Vice President of Communications at Wells Fargo, San Francisco. She says, "I am continually inspired by ACE because from my perspective, ACE is about more than climate change. It's about opening the minds of our young people to their true potential, giving them the tools they need to join the conversation, and empowering them to be leaders right where they are." Valencia’s experience will help advance strategic communications and earned media recognition for our work.

Kaleo Yamabayashi is a seasoned financial analyst specializing in mergers and acquisitions, and a current Director at PwC. He says, “I am excited to be a part of ACE and really impressed with the work that ACE has done so far, on such a large scale, and in an impactful way.” He goes on to say, “ACE brings the critically important issue of climate education to a generation of students that can make a meaningful difference today.” Kaleo’s expertise in financial management will support our efforts to grow our funding base. We are grateful to the Taproot Foundation Pro Bono Board Seat program for matching Kaleo with ACE.

Margo Oge served the United States Environmental Protection Agency for more than 30 years. She says, “Climate change is the biggest challenge facing the planet. Over 97% of scientists are urging us to act now in order to reduce the worst impacts for future generations.” She goes on to say, “I am a big supporter of ACE because of their mission to train future leaders to start having an impact today.” Margo’s connection to the EPA will ensure that ACE’s students stay connected to our nation’s evolving strategy to create meaningful climate and energy policy.

Please join me in welcoming our newest Board members. Follow their announcements on Facebook and Twitter, and be sure to say hello. Stay tuned for more exciting updates in the weeks to come.

Matt Lappé is ACE's Executive Director. He was ACE’s fourth employee, brought on in 2008 to develop the science credibility of ACE’s programming. He holds BS and MS degrees from Stanford and an MBA from the Leeds School of Business. He lives in Boulder, CO with his wife, dog, and two daughters, Evelyn and Jennifer.